U.S. patent number 6,461,418 [Application Number 09/675,043] was granted by the patent office on 2002-10-08 for aqueous ink jet inks for use with commercial offset media and offset ink.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hewlett-Packard Company. Invention is credited to Mark L. Choy, Howard A Doumaux, George M. Sarkisian, Yi-Hua Tsao, Shunqiong Yue.
United States Patent |
6,461,418 |
Yue , et al. |
October 8, 2002 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Aqueous ink jet inks for use with commercial offset media and
offset ink
Abstract
The present invention is directed to aqueous based ink
compositions for ink jet printing on offset media and offset ink
comprising various combinations of nonionic surfactants. Such
formulations include effective amounts of an ink colorant and a
nonionic surfactant having an HLB value from about 4 to 14.
Optionally, additional nonionic surfactants, solvents, and binders
can be added. In another formulation, an effective amount of an ink
colorant, at least two nonionic surfactants, each being present at
from about 0.01% to 10% by weight (preferably 0.01% to 2% by
weight) and an effective amount of at least one binder (such as an
acrylate binder) is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Yue; Shunqiong (San Diego,
CA), Sarkisian; George M. (San Diego, CA), Choy; Mark
L. (San Diego, CA), Tsao; Yi-Hua (San Diego, CA),
Doumaux; Howard A (San Diego, CA) |
Assignee: |
Hewlett-Packard Company (Palo
Alto, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
24708837 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/675,043 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
106/31.58;
106/31.37; 106/31.43; 106/31.69; 106/31.75; 106/31.86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09D
11/30 (20130101); C09D 11/38 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C09D
11/00 (20060101); C09D 011/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;106/31.58,31.86,31.37,31.69,31.43,31.75 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0690107 |
|
Jan 1996 |
|
EP |
|
0882771 |
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Mar 1998 |
|
EP |
|
0882771 |
|
Mar 1998 |
|
EP |
|
0924272 |
|
Jun 1999 |
|
EP |
|
Other References
Copy of International Search Report; PCT/US01/30559; Dated: Apr.
24, 2002..
|
Primary Examiner: Klemanski; Helene
Assistant Examiner: Faison; Veronica F.
Claims
We claim:
1. An aqueous ink composition for ink jet printing on offset,
media, said ink composition comprising: a) from 0.1% to 10% by
weight of an ink colorant consisting essentially of a dye; and b)
from 0.01% to 10% by weight of a nonionic surfactant having an HLB
value from about 4 to 14, with the proviso that said ink has a dry
time on offset media that is less than the dry time of the
substantially same ink devoid of the nonionic surfactant.
2. The aqueous ink composition of claim 1 further comprising a
second nonionic surfactant having an HLB value from about 4 to
14.
3. The aqueous ink composition of claim 2 wherein the second
nonionic surfactant is present at from about 0.01% to 10% by
weight.
4. The aqueous ink composition of claim 3 wherein the nonionic
surfactant and the second nonionic surfactant are each present at
from about 0.01% to 2% by weight.
5. The aqueous ink composition of claim 2 further comprising a
water soluble or water dispersible polymeric binder being present
at from about 0.01% to 10% by weight.
6. The aqueous ink composition of claim 5 wherein the binder is
selected from the group consisting of acrylates, polyamides, vinyl
alcohols, vinyl acetates, polyvinylpyrrolidones, cellulosics,
urethanes, and combinations thereof.
7. The aqueous ink composition of claim 6 wherein the binder is an
acrylate binder.
8. The aqueous ink composition of claim 1 wherein the nonionic
surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkoxylated
octylphenols, alkyl phenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)ethanols, silicone
glycol copolymers, polyalkylene oxide-modified
polydimethylsiloxanes, alkoxlyated tetramethyl decyndiols,
secondary alcohol alkoxylates, alkoxylated trimethylnonanols,
polyoxyethylene ethers, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers,
fluorosurfactants; and combinations thereof.
9. An aqueous ink composition for ink jet printing on offset media,
said ink composition comprising: a) from 0.1% to 10% by weight of a
pigment; b) at least two nonionic surfactants, each being present
at from about 0.01% to 10% by weight; and c) from 0.1% to 10% by
weight of at least one binder, with the proviso that said ink has a
dry time on offset media that is less than the dry time of the
substantially same ink devoid of the nonionic surfactant.
10. The aqueous ink composition of claim 9 wherein at least one of
the at least two nonionic surfactants has an HLB value from about 4
to 14.
11. The aqueous ink composition of claim 10 wherein the at least
two nonionic surfactants have an HLB value from about 4 to 14.
12. The aqueous ink composition of claim 9 wherein the binder is
selected from the group consisting of acrylates, polyamides, vinyl
alcohols, vinyl acetates, polyvinylpyrrolidones, cellulosics,
urethanes, and combinations thereof.
13. The aqueous ink composition of claim 9 wherein the at least two
nonionic surfactants are each present at from about 0.01% to 2% by
weight.
14. The aqueous ink composition of claim 9 further comprising a
solvent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol
ethers, pentanediols, pyrrolidones, ethylene glycols, polyethylene
glycols, glycerols, and combinations thereof, wherein said solvent
is present at from about 0.5 to 50% by weight.
15. The aqueous ink composition of claim 9 wherein each of the at
least two nonionic surfactants are independently selected from the
group consisting of alkoxylated octylphenols, alkyl
phenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)ethanols, silicone glycol copolymers,
polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxanes, alkoxlyated
tetramethyl decyndiols, secondary alcohol alkoxylates, alkoxylated
trimethylnonanols, polyoxyethylene ethers, ethylene oxide/propylene
oxide copolymers, fluorosurfactants, and combinations thereof.
16. The aqueous ink jet composition of claim 9 wherein the binder
has a weight average molecular weight from about 1,000 to
15,000.
17. The aqueous ink composition of claim 1 wherein said ink has a
dry time on offset media that is at least two times faster than the
substantially same ink devoid of the nonionic surfactant.
18. The aqueous ink composition of claim 9 wherein said ink has a
dry time on offset media that is at least three times faster than
the substantially same ink devoid of the non-ionic surfactant.
19. A method of ink jet printing on offset media, comprising: a)
providing offset media having a substantially hydrophobic coating;
and b) printing an aqueous ink jet ink onto said offset media, said
ink jet ink comprising from 0.1% to 10% by weight of an ink
colorant, and from 0.01% to 10% by weight of a nonionic
surfactant.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein said ink has a dry time on
offset media that is less than the dry time of the substantially
same ink devoid of the nonionic surfactant.
21. The method of claim 19 further comprising from 0.01% to 10% by
weight a second nonionic surfactant.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the nonionic surfactant and the
second nonionic surfactant are each present at from about 0.01% to
2% by weight, and have an HLB value from 4 to 14.
23. The method of claim 19 further comprising from 0.1% to 10% by
weight of at least one water soluble or water dispersible polymeric
binder.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the binder is selected from the
group consisting of acrylates, polyamides, vinyl alcohols, vinyl
acetates, polyvinylpyrrolidones, cellulosics, urethanes, and
combinations thereof.
25. A system for of ink jet printing images, comprising: a) offset
media having a substantially hydrophobic coating; and b) an aqueous
ink jet ink configured for printing on said offset media, said ink
jet ink comprising from 0.1% to 10% by weight of an ink colorant,
and from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a nonionic surfactant.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein the ink colorant is a dye, and
said ink has a dry time on offset media that is at least two times
faster than the dry time of the substantially same ink devoid of
the nonionic surfactant.
27. The system of claim 25 wherein the ink colorant is a pigment,
and said ink has a dry time on offset media that is at least three
times faster than the dry time of the substantially same ink devoid
the nonionic surfactant.
28. The system of claim 25 further comprising from 0.01% to 10% by
weight a second nonionic surfactant.
29. The system of claim 25 wherein the nonionic surfactant and the
second nonionic surfactant are each present at from about 0.01% to
2% by weight, and have an HLB value from 4 to 14.
30. The system of claim 25 further comprising from 0.1% to 10% by
weight of at least one water soluble or water dispersible polymeric
binder.
31. The system of claim 30 wherein the binder is selected from the
group consisting of acrylates, polyamides, vinyl alcohols, vinyl
acetates, polyvinylpyrrolidones, cellulosics, urethanes, and
combinations thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to aqueous ink jet ink
compositions for use with commercial offset media and offset
ink.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, computer printer technology has evolved to a point
where very high resolution images can be transferred to various
media, including papers of different types. One particular type of
printing involves the placement of small drops of a fluid ink onto
a surface in response to a digital signal. Typically, the fluid ink
is placed or jetted onto the surface without physical contact
between the printing device and the surface. The specific method
for which the ink is deposited onto the printing surface varies
from system to system. However, two major methods include
continuous ink deposit and drop-on-demand ink deposit.
With regard to continuous printing systems, inks used are typically
based on solvents including methyl ethyl ketone and/or ethanol.
Essentially, continuous printing systems function as a stream of
ink droplets are ejected and directed by a printer nozzle. The ink
droplets are directed additionally with the assistance of an
electrostatic charging device in close proximity to the nozzle. If
the ink is not used on the desired printing surface, the ink is
recycled for later use. With regard to drop-on-demand printing
systems, the ink jet inks are typically based upon water and
glycols. Essentially, with these systems, ink droplets are
propelled from a nozzle by heat or by a pressure wave.
Additionally, all of the ink droplets are used to form the printed
image and are ejected when needed.
In general, ink jet inks are either dye- or pigment-based.
Dye-based inks typically use a liquid colorant that is usually
water-based to turn the media a specific color. Because of their
makeup, dye-based inks are usually not waterproof and tend to be
more affected by UV light. This results in the color fading or
changing over time. For optimum performance, this type of ink has
often required that the proper media or substrate be selected in
accordance with the application. In many circumstances, if the
media is too dense or hydrophobic, the ink has difficulty
penetrating and beads on the surface. Conversely, if the media is
too absorbent, the dot gain is too high creating a blurred
image.
Pigmented inks typically use a solid colorant to achieve color. In
many cases, the line quality and accuracy of plots produced by
pigment-based inks are usually superior to that of dye-based inks.
With pigmented inks, solid particles adhere to the surface of the
substrate. Once the water in the solution has evaporated, the
particles will generally not go back into solution, and are
therefore more waterproof. In addition, pigmented inks are much
more UV resistant than dye-based inks, meaning that it takes much
longer for noticeable fading to occur.
Though pigmented inks, in some areas, exhibit superior
characteristics, dyes tend to run cleaner, provide better yield,
offer better particle size, and are easier to filter. Thus, dye
based inks have been more often used for common applications.
Additionally, dye-based inks have tended to be more chromatic and
provide more highly saturated colors.
There are several reasons that ink jet printing has become a
popular way of recording images on surfaces, particularly paper.
Some of these reasons include low printer noise, capability of high
speed recording, and multi-color recording. Additionally, these
advantages can be provided at a relatively low price. However,
though there has been great improvement in ink jet printing,
accompanying this improvement are increased printing demands, e.g.,
higher speed, higher resolution, full color image formation, etc.
As such, there are several features to consider when evaluating a
printer ink in conjunction with a printing surface or substrate.
Such features include edge acuity and optical density of the image
on the surface, dry time of the ink on the substrate, adhesion to
the substrate, lack of deviation of ink droplets, presence of all
dots, resistance of the dried ink to water and other solvents,
long-term storage stability, and long-term reliability without
corrosion or nozzle clogging. Though the above list of features
provides a worthy goal to achieve, there are difficulties
associated with satisfying all of the above features. Often, the
inclusion of an ink component meant to satisfy one of the above
characteristics can prevent another characteristic from being met.
Thus, most commercial inks for use in ink jet printers represent a
compromise in an attempt to achieve at least an adequate response
in meeting some or all of the above listed requirements.
Papers used for ink jet printing have typically included
high-quality or wood-free papers designed to have high ink
absorptivity or papers having a coated porous surface. These papers
are functionally good for ink jet printing because the inks may be
absorbed readily and dry quickly. However, such papers often do not
allow for a crisp or sharp image.
Conversely, with commercial offset paper, a nonporous smooth
surface may provide a good printing surface for a crisp image.
However, commercial offset coated papers are significantly
different than office plain papers or photo/glossy papers
specifically designed for ink jet media. Typically, with commercial
offset papers, the smooth non-porous surface is comprised of a
coating which requires more time for aqueous fluids to penetrate
than standard paper. This is because diffusion-type adsorption must
generally occur with offset papers as compared with capillary-type
absorption which typically occurs with respect to standard office
paper and some ink jet specialty papers. Additionally, offset
coatings contain polymers that are more hydrophobic, e.g.,
styrene-butadiene based, than paper coatings specifically designed
for ink jet ink, e.g., water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl
alcohol. Thus, because offset coatings are typically hydrophobic,
have poor penetration, and are smooth and nonporous, these coatings
tend to interact poorly with water-based inks. In addition, classic
ink jet solvents such as glycols and diols tend to perform poorly
on these coatings, showing long dry times and poor spreading
characteristics.
The apparent incompatibility between offset media/ink and water
based ink jet inks stems from the fact that offset media such as
commercial offset paper was developed primarily for use with
oil-based inks. For example, coated offset media often includes a
hydrophobic component such as latex binder and/or various
hydrophobic polymers. To illustrate, such polymers used in offset
media can include polymers, copolymers, and/or terpolymers selected
from the group consisting of polystyrene, polyolefins
(polypropylene, polyethylene, polybutadiene), polyesters (PET),
polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, and poly(maleic anhydride).
Because commercial offset paper provides a smooth surface for
printing and would provide a convenient and inexpensive alternative
to specialty papers, it would be useful provide aqueous based ink
jet inks which can be used with commercial offset media, including
papers and offset inks. Such formulations would be particularly
useful if they exhibited a reduction in ink dry out in ink jet
nozzles. Additionally, these ink jet inks would also be desirable
if they exhibited printing properties on offset media including
excellent text and area fill, minimal coalescence in half tone
images, excellent optical density (OD) and edge acuity, good water
fastness, good smudge and rub resistance, and good
lightfastness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is drawn to aqueous based ink compositions
for ink jet printing on offset media and offset ink. One embodiment
comprises effective amounts of an ink colorant and a nonionic
surfactant having an HLB value from about 4 to 14. Optionally,
additional nonionic surfactants, solvents, and binders can be
added. Another embodiment comprises an effective amount of an ink
colorant, at least two nonionic surfactants, each being present at
from about 0.01% to 10% by weight, and an effective amount of at
least one polymeric binder, such as an acrylate binder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to
be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular
process steps and materials disclosed herein because such process
steps and materials may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood
that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments only. The terms are not intended
to be limiting because the scope of the present invention is
intended to be limited only by the appended claims and equivalents
thereof.
It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
"Surfactant" is a compound that contains a hydrophilic and a
hydrophobic segment. Thus, when a surfactant is added to water or
some other solvent, the surface tension of the system can be
reduced. In general, surfactants can be used for several purposes
including wetting, emulsifying, dispersing, foaming, scouring, or
lubricating a system.
"HLB" or "Hydrophilic/Lipophilic Balance" is a way of classifying
surfactants. Specifically, the HLB scale ranges from 0 to 40
wherein the products with a low HLB are more oil soluble and
products with a higher HLB are more water soluble. The HLB is a
numerically calculated number based on the surfactants molecular
structure, thus, it is not a measured parameter.
With this in mind, an aqueous ink composition for ink jet printing
on offset media and offset ink is disclosed comprising effective
amounts. of ink colorant and a nonionic surfactant having an HLB
value from about 4 to 14. In one embodiment, an effective amount of
a second nonionic surfactant can be added to the composition. The
HLB value of the second nonionic surfactant can be any functional
value. However, it is preferred that the second nonionic surfactant
also have an HLB value from about 4 to 14.
If one nonionic surfactant is used, the nonionic surfactant can be
present at from 0.01% to 10% by weight, preferably from about 0.01%
to 5% by weight, and most preferably from about 0.01% to 2% by
weight. However, if two or more nonionic surfactants are used, each
nonionic surfactant can be present at within these ranges. Suitable
nonionic surfactants for use can include alkoxylated octylphenols,
alkyl phenoxypoly(ethleneoxy)ethanols, silicone glycol copolymers
including polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxanes,
alkoxlyated tetramethyl decyndiols, alkoxylated trimethylnonanols,
polyoxyethylene ethers, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers,
fluorosurfactants, and nonionic alkoxylated surfactants. Preferred
alkoxylates for above are ethoxylate and propoxylates.
Nonionic surfactants can be obtained from several sources,
including those with the tradenames TRITONS.TM., IGEPALS.TM.,
SILWETS.TM., SURFYNOLS.TM., TERGITOLS.TM., BRIJS.TM.,
PLURONICS.TM., FLUOKADS.TM., and ZONYLS.TM.
As is the case with many ink jet inks, the ink colorant is
preferably selected from the group consisting of pigments and dyes.
However, in either case, the ink colorant should be present at from
about 0.1% to 10% by weight. In one embodiment, an acrylate binder
(water soluble or water dispersible acrylate polymer) or another
functionally equivalent binder can be used such as an acrylic acid
or a methacrylate acid including its esters. Preferably, the binder
can be present at from about 0.01% to 10% by weight and a preferred
molecular weight range can be from about 1,000 to 15,000.
Also, an aqueous ink composition for ink jet printing on offset
media and offset ink is also disclosed comprising an effective
amount of ink colorant; at least two nonionic surfactants, each
being present at from about 0.01% to 10% by weight; and an
effective amount of at least one binder. In this embodiment, one of
the at least two nonionic surfactants can have an HLB value from
about 4 to 14. In another embodiment, two or more of the at least
two nonionic surfactants can have an HLB value from about 4 to
14.
Though no specific limitation regarding the amount of ink colorant
to be used (other than an effective amount) is required, it is
preferred that the ink colorant be present at from about 0.1% to
10% by weight. Additionally, either pigments and/or dyes can be
used in the formulation. For example, a suitable ink colorants can
be the self-dispersed carbon pigment known as CABOJET.TM. 300.
Additionally, ink colorants such as those described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,3,56,464 and 5,709,737, the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference, can also be used. In this
embodiment, the binder can preferably be an acrylate binder, an
acrylic acid, a methacrylate acid including its esters, and
combinations thereof. JONCRYL.TM. is one commercially available
acrylate binder that is acceptable for use. Additionally, other
water-insoluble monomers can be used for the binder. For example,
the binder can be comprised of comonomers such as a styrene and a
butyl methacrylate. Other suitable binders that can be used include
polyamides, vinylalcohols, vinyl acetates, polyvinylpyrrolidones,
cellulosics, and urethanes. The binder should be present at from
about 0.01% to 10% by weight. Additionally, molecular weights for
the binder can be from about 1,000 to 15,000. Though these inks and
binders are discussed specifically, other ink colorants or binders
optimized for thermal ink jet ink can also be used.
Solvents can also be added to the formulations for good results.
Such solvents can include alcohols and polyhydroxylated solvents
including glycerols, glycols, glycol ethers, pyrrolidones, and
combinations thereof. When using one of these or other solvents,
the solvent should be present at from 0.5 to 50% by weight.
Additionally, as stated previously with respect to other
embodiments, the nonionic surfactant(s) can be selected from the
group consisting of alkoxylated octylphenols, alkyl
phenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)ethanols, silicone glycol copolymers
including polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxanes,
alkoxlyated tetramethyl decyndiols, alkoxylated trimethylnonanols,
polyoxyethylene ethers, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers,
fluorosurfactants, and nonionic alkoxylated surfactants.
As water is the major component in typical ink jet ink
formulations, in the prior art, offset coatings have tended to
interact poorly with aqueous inks. In addition, classic ink jet
solvents such as glycols and diols tend to perform poorly alone on
these coatings, showing long dry times and poor spreading
characteristics. Prior to the present invention, offset media was
typically printed on using water insoluble solvents (xylene or
toluene) and oils (linseed or soybean) in the ink formulation.
Because these components are incompatible with water, they are
difficult to jet out of an ink jet pen. By adding the nonionic
surfactants to aqueous based inks as prescribed herein, dry time
and spreading on the offset media and offset ink can be improved.
Additionally, such formulations can be used in an ink jet pen with
good reliability. The use of nonionic surfactants as disclosed
herein also reduces the amount of heating required to dry inks. As
offset papers are often hydrophobically coated, massive amounts of
heat may otherwise be required to dry inks, leading to the cost and
size of a given printing device to be increased. By improving the
penetration of the ink into the coatings through the use of
nonionic surfactants, less heat is required to remove the fluid at
the surface of the paper. Thus, reduction of ink transfer from
sheet to sheet is effectuated.
Another advantage of the present invention is cost savings and
convenience to consumers. Commercial offset paper is often much
less expensive and are much more available than specialty media
paper designed specifically for certain ink jet inks. As the ink
jet inks of the present invention have decreased dry time on
commercial offset paper, overall printing speed can also be
maintained at an acceptable level.
EXAMPLES
The following examples illustrate various formulations for
preparing the ink jet ink compositions of the present invention, as
well as provide data showing the effectiveness of various nonionic
surfactants compared to one another as well as compared to other
surfactants. The following examples should not be considered as
limitations of the present invention, but should merely teach how
to make the best-known ink formulations based upon current
experimental data.
Example 1
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.4% of an ethoxylated trimethylnonanol, 0.3% of an
ethoxlyated tetramethyl decyndiol, 2% of a propylene glycol
n-propyl ether, 8% 2-pyrrolidone, 5% ethylene glycol, 4% of a
self-dispersed carbon pigment, 2% of an aciylate binder, and the
balance in deionized water.
Example 2
An ink jet ink formulation is prepared by mixing the following
ingredients by weight: 0.3% of an ethoxylated, 0.3% of an
ethoxlyated tetramethyl decyndiol, 8% 2-pyrrolidone, 5%
polyethylene glycol, 6% of a self-dispersed carbon pigment, 2% of
an acrylate binder, and the balance in deionized water.
Example 3
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.9% of a nonionic ethoxylated surfactant, 0.3% of an
ethoxlyated tetaramethyl decyndiol, 2% of a propylene glycol
n-propyl ether, 8% 2-pyrrolidone, 5% ethylene glycol, 4% of a
self-dispersed carbon pigment, 1.5% of a acrylate binder, and the
balance in deionized water.
Example 4
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.5% of an ethoxylated trimethylnonanol, 0.3% of an
ethoxlyated tetralmethyl decyndiol, 0.15% of an alternative
ethoxlyated tetramethyl decyndiol, 8% 2-pyrrolidone, 5% ethylene
glycol, 5% polyethylene glycol, 4% of a self-dispersed carbon
pigment, 2.5% of an acrylate binder, and the balance in deionized
water.
Example 5
For comparison purposes, an ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the
following ingredients by weight: 6% 2-pyrrolidone, 2%
1,6-hexanediol, 3% polyethylene glycol, 3% of a self-dispersed
carbon pigment, 1% of an acrylate binder, and the balance in
deionized water. No surfactant was added to this example.
Example 6
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.3% Aerosol TO, 6% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% 1,6-hexanediol, 3%
polyethylene glycol, 1% of a propylene glycol n-propyl ether, 3% of
a self-dispersed carbon pigment, 1% of an acrylate binder, and the
balance in deionized water.
Example 7
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.3% of an ethoxylated trimethylnonanol, 0.3% of an
ethoxlyated tetiamethyl decyndiol, 6% 2-pyrrolidone, 2%
1,6-hexanediol, 3% polyethylene glycol, 3% of a self-dispersed
carbon pigment, 1% of an acrylate binder, and the balance in
deionized water.
Example 8
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.3% of a silicone glycol copolymer, 0.3% of an ethoxlyated
tetramethyl decyndiol, 6% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% 1,6-hexanediol, 3%
polyethylene glycol, 1% of a propylene glycol n-propyl ether, 3% of
a self-dispersed carbon pigment, 1% of an acrylate binder, and the
balance in deionized water.
Example 9
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.3% of an ethoxylated surfactant, 0.3% of an ethoxlyated
tetramethyl decyndiol, 6% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% 1,6-hexanediol, 1% of a
propylene glycol n-propyl ether, 3% polyethylene glycol, 3% of a
self-dispersed carbon pigment, 1% of an acrylate binder, and the
balance in deionized water.
Example 10
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.3 of a fluorosurfactant, 0.3% of an ethoxylated
tetramethyl decyndiol, 6% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% 1,6-hexanediol, 1% of a
propylene glycol n-propyl e6. ther, 3% polyethylene glycol, 3% of a
self-dispersed carbon pigment, 1% of an acrylate binder, and the
balance in deionized water.
Example 11
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 0.3% of an ethoxylated trimethylnonanol, 0.3% of an
ethoxlyated tetramethyl decyndiol, 6% 2-pyrrolidone, 2%
1,6-hexanediol, 3% of a self-dispersed carbon pigment, 1% of an
acrylate binder, and the balance in deionized water.
With respect to Examples 1-4 and 6-11, these combinations of
surfactants with pigment, solvents, and binder enable several
advantages for use on offset media and offset ink. Some of the
advantages shown include excellent 600.times.600 and 600.times.300
dpi text and area fill on offset media, minimal coalescence in half
tone images on offset media, excellent optical density and edge
acuity on coated offset media, good dry time but with reduction in
ink dry out in ink jet nozzles, good water fastness, good smudge
and rub resistance, and good lightfastness.
Example 12
Tables 1 to 3 show various printing characteristics exhibited on
various media including CAROLINA.TM. Cover, LUSTRO.TM. Laser gloss
(from S. D. Warren), KROMCOTE.TM. (from Champion papers), and
UTOPIA.TM. Dull (Appleton Papers). Examples 5 to 11 are considered
in these tables.
TABLE 1 Print quality of inks on Carolina Cover and printed offset
ink on Lustro Laser Print Quality on Print Quality on Print Quality
on Carolina .TM. 40% offset ink on 100% offset ink on Ink Cover
Lustro .TM. Laser Lustro .TM. Laser Example 5 2 1 1 Example 7 9 8 6
Example 8 9 9 7 Example 9 9 9 7 Example 10 8 9 7 Example 11 9 8
6
In Table 1 above, a visual ranking system from 1-10 was used
wherein 1 indicates very poor coverage and 10 indicates excellent
coverage. Above about 6 is acceptable coverage. Example 5
illustrates an ink jet ink formulation where no non-ionic
surfactant is used. Ink jet inks containing two or more nonionic
surfactants showed much better print quality than those inks having
no surfactant present.
TABLE 2 Dry time of inks on printed offset media Ink % Off- Lustro
.TM. Laser Kromkote .TM. Utopia .TM. Dull set Printed 40% 100% 40%
100% 40% 100% Example 5 30 sec 600 sec 20 sec 30 min 30 sec 40 min
Example 7 15 sec 60 sec 15 sec 9 min 15 sec 4 min Example 8 15 sec
60 sec 20 sec 3.5 min 20 sec 3 min Example 9 20 sec 60 sec 25 sec 7
min 25 sec 4 min Example 10 15 sec 60 sec 20 sec 6.5 min 30 sec 3.5
min Example 11 15 sec 60 sec 15 sec 9 min 15 sec 6 min
As can be seen in Table 2 above, the dry time on both 40% and 100%
printed offset media was much better with inks containing two
nonionic surfactants than with those inks containing no
surfactant.
TABLE 3 Decap of inks containing non-ionic surfactants as compared
to ionic surfactants DECAP Example 6 6 Example 7 9 Example 8 8.5
Example 9 8 Example 10 9 Example 11 9.5
When an ink jet pen remains uncapped for 30 seconds or more, often
missing initial drops can occur. A decap reading is used to
determine acceptable parameters for such conditions. Below 6 about
not an acceptable decap level. Examples 6 to 11 show ink jet inks
that fall within this acceptable range.
Example 13
A pipette which creates 10 microliter drops was used to place
surfactant containing solutions onto various commercial offset
coated paper surfaces. After the drop was created, the initial
wetting/spreading and initial dot size was measured visually. In
addition, the time to dry was also measured. Dry time is defined as
the amount of time required when the drop is placed onto the media
to when all the fluid is visibly gone from the media surface via
penetration or evaporation. The three offset coated papers used are
LUSTRO.TM. Laser gloss, KROMCOTE.TM., and UTOPIA.TM. Dull.
Measurements were conducted at ambient conditions.
In the tables below, the surfactants were screened in various 30%
organic solvents with 3% active surfactant by weight. Solutions
containing only water and 30% solvent with no surfactant present
were also included as a control. As can be seen from the tables,
many of the lower HLB nonionic surfactant solutions showed better
drying results than the control sample and samples having higher
HLB nonionic surfactant values. Further, as shown, in a given
surfactant family, the lower HLB homologues generally perform
better than those formulations where anionic (an), amphoteric
(amp), and cationic (cat) surfactants were used.
TABLE 4 Nonionic surfactant examples screened in solutions
comprising 30% dimethylpropionamide and 3% surfactant by weight Dry
Time (min) Dot Size (cm) Surfactant HLB Utopia Lustro Krom Utopia
Lustro Krom None >30 14 >30 0.4 0.7 0.4 Added Alkyl 24 15 22
0.7 0.7 0.5 Sulfonate (an) Alkyl 17 16 17 0.6 0.5 0.5 Benzene
Sulfonate (an) Ampho- 14 19 21 0.7 0.6 0.6 teric betaine (amp)
Propoxy- 30 21 >30 0.7 0.6 0.5 lated Amine (cat) 1A 15.3 25 14
30 0.8 0.6 0.4 1B 12.4 21 20 20 0.8 0.6 0.4 2A 10.5 3 5 3 1.8 1.0
1.5 2B 12.4 2 6 4 1.6 1.0 1.1 2C 14.7 10 9 19 1.0 0.8 0.7 2D 16.4
14 13 23 0.7 0.7 0.5 2E 8 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 2F 16.1 3 10 19
2.0 0.9 0.7 3A 10.4 11 20 12 2.0 0.9 1.5 3B 13.5 8 14 18 1.0 0.7
0.5 4A 9.6 2 8 3 1.6 0.7 1.4 4B 12.6 3 14 12 1.3 0.8 0.6 5A 5-8 2 3
2 2.0 1.7 1.8 5B 13-17 3 9 8 2.3 0.7 0.9 5C 13-17 14 23 16 n/a 0.6
0.8 6A 8 2 13 2 2.2 0.8 2.0 6B 13 16 15 34 1.1 1.0 0.6 6C 8-11 3 13
4 2.5 1.0 1.4 6D 11-15 4 13 8 2.0 0.9 1.1 Nonionic surfactants: 1A,
1B -- polyoxyethylene ethers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F -- alkoxylated
trimethylnonanols 3A, 3B -- alkoxylated octylphenols 4A, 4B --
alkyl phenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)ethanols 5A, 5B, 5C -- silicone
glycol copolymers 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D -- alkoxylated tetramethyl
decyndiols
TABLE 5 Nonionic surfactant examples screened in solutions
comprising 30% propylene glycol n-propyl ether solutions and 3%
surfactant by weight Dry Time (min) Dot Size (cm) Surfactant HLB
Utopia Lustro Krom Utopia Lustro Krom None 10 10 16 1.0 1.0 0.6
Added Alkyl 11 8 14 1.0 0.9 0.5 Sulfonate (an) Alkyl 17 12 17 0.8
0.6 0.7 Benzene Sulfonate (an) Ampho- 11 14 14 0.9 0.7 0.8 teric
betaine (amp) Propoxy- 12 15 15 0.8 0.7 1.0 lated Amine (cat) 1A
15.3 11 12 15 0.8 0.6 0.7 1B 12.4 10 11 12 0.9 0.5 0.7 2A 10.5 10
10 10 1.0 0.8 0.7 2B 12.4 10 12 13 0.9 0.8 0.7 2C 14.7 9 9 14 0.9
0.7 0.7 2D 16.4 12 12 16 1.0 1.0 1.0 2E 8 3 6 6 1.7 0.7 1.4 2F 16.1
9 12 12 1.0 0.7 0.7 3A 10.4 9 6 11 0.8 0.7 0.8 3B 13.5 10 12 16 1.0
0.7 0.8 4A 9.6 9 8 11 0.9 0.7 0.7 4B 12.6 10 10 13 0.8 0.6 0.8 5A
5-8 1 6 4 1.4 0.8 0.9 5B 13-17 4 9 8 1.1 0.7 0.7 5C 13-17 4 9 11
1.1 0.8 0.7 6A 8 7 11 11 1.0 0.8 0.8 6B 13 10 12 16 0.7 0.7 0.9 6C
8-11 6 12 12 1.0 0.9 0.9 6D 11-15 8 11 15 1.0 0.8 0.8 Nonionic
surfactants: 1A, 1B -- polyoxyethylene ethers 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E,
2F -- alkoxylated trimethylnonanols 3A, 3B -- alkoxylated
octylphenols 4A, 4B -- alkyl phenoxypoly(alkyleneoxy)ethanols 5A,
5B, 5C -- silicone glycol copolymers 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D -- alkoxylated
tetramethyl decyndiols
As can be seen from Tables 4 and 5, many types such as anionic,
cationic, or amphoteric surfactants are not as effective as many
lower HLB nonionic surfactants for drying and dot grain. For
example, the alkyl sulfonate (Na C.sup.14 -C.sup.16 olefine
sulfonate), alkyl benzene sulfonate (Na N-hexadecyl diphenyloxide
disulfonate), amphoteric betaine (amine oxide), and propoxylated
amine (diethylammonium), as well as formulations where no
surfactant was added, are generally less effective than
formulations where lower HLB nonionic surfactants are used.
TABLE 6 Nonionic surfactant examples screened in solutions
comprising 30% 2-pyrrolidone and 3% surfactant by weight Dry Time
(min) Dot Size (cm) Surfactant HLB Utopia Lustro Krom Utopia Lustro
Krom None Added >30 10 >30 0.3 0.6 0.3 Alkoxylated 10.5 4 11
3 1.6 1.1 1.5 trimethyl- nonanol Silicone 5-8 3 2 2 2.0 2.0 1.6
glycol copolymer
TABLE 7 Nonionic surfactant examples screened in solutions
comprising 30% 1,5 Pentanediol and 3% surfactant by weight Dry Time
(min) Dot Size (cm) Surfactant HLB Utopia Lustro Krom Utopia Lustro
Krom None Added >30 >30 >30 0.6 0.7 0.4 Alkoxylated 10.5
16 9 10 1.8 0.8 1.5 trimethyl- nonanol Silicone 5-8 12 14 7 1.9 0.9
1.4 glycol copolymer
TABLE 8 Nonionic surfactant examples screened in solutions
comprising 30% diethylene glycol and 3% surfactant by weight Dry
Time (min) Dot Size (cm) Surfactant HLB Utopia Lustro Krom Utopia
Lustro Krom None Added >30 27 >30 0.4 0.6 0.4 Alkoxylated
10.5 >30 14 6 1.9 1.2 1.4 trimethyl- nonanol Silicone 5-8 27 6 7
1.4 1.8 1.2 glycol copolymer
TABLE 9 Nonionic surfactant examples screened in solutions
comprising 30% glycerol and 3% surfactant by weight Dry Time (min)
Dot Size (cm) Surfactant HLB Utopia Lustro Krom Utopia Lustro Krom
None Added >>30 >>30 >>30 0.3 0.5 0.3 Alkoxylated
10.5 >30 >30 >30 2.3 0.9 1.4 trimethyl- nonanol Silicone
5-8 >30 >30 7 1.7 1.8 1.5 glycol copolymer
As illustrated in tables 6 to 9, two specific nonionic surfactants
having an HLB values of less than 12 showed improved dry time and
acceptable: dot grain over ink formulations where nonionic
surfactant was not added.
Example 14
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 20% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% Acid Red 52 dye (Na salt form), and
the balance in deionized water.
Example 15
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients by
weight: 20% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% Acid Red 52 dye (Na salt form), 2% of
an ethoxylated trimethylnonanol, and the balance in deionized
water.
Example 16
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients:by
weight: 20% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% Acid Red 52 dye (Na salt form), 2% of
an ethoxylated trimethylnonanol, and the balance in deionized
water.
Example 17
An ink jet ink is prepared by mixing the following ingredients; by
weight: 20% 2-pyrrolidone, 2% Acid Red 52 dye (Na salt form), 2% of
an anionic surfactant (alkyl sulfonate), and the balance in
deionized water.
Example 18
Inks from example 14 to 17 were printed onto three different offset
coated papers using an HP2000C printer. The three offset coated
papers used were LUSTRO.TM. Laser gloss (from S. D. Warren),
KROMCOTE.TM. (from Champion papers), and UTOPIA.TM. Dull (Appleton
Papers). Dry time measurements were conducted at ambient
conditions. Each ink was tested for drying performance on the
coated offset media by printing a solid bar pattern (approximate
size is 7".times.0.5") on a four-pass print-mode. With respect to
this pattern, the ink density is approximately 96 picoliters/300
dots/inch pixel. After the plot was completed, 10 sheets of the
same type of coated media were placed upon the paper having the
solid bar pattern after a measured amount of time delay. The
measured time delay corresponds to the amount of time required for
the ink to fully dry, which is defined as no or very minimal ink
transfer to the 10 sheets of coated media after stacking. Table 10
below outlines the dry time performance of each ink corresponding
to Examples 14 to 17.
TABLE 10 Comparative dry time performance for various inkjet ink
compositions COMMENTS LUSTRO UTOPIA KROMCOTE INK (HLB) (sec) (sec)
(sec) Example No surfactant 58 56 21 14 Example Alkoxylated 23 21
12 15 trimethylnonanol (10.5) Example Alkoxylated 53 45 24 16
trimethylnonanol (16.4) Example Alkyl sulfonate 56 53 24 17
As can be seen by the table above, addition of a low HLB nonionic
surfactant decreases the time delay. For example, the use of the
alkoxylated trimethylnonanol with low HLB provides much better dry
time than formulations having no surfactant, higher HLB surfactant,
or anionic surfactant (alkyl sulfonate).
While the invention has been described with reference to certain
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate
that various modifications, changes, omissions, and substitutions
can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It
is intended, therefore, that the invention be limited only by the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *